Sunday, August 20, 2017

World News Briefs -- August 20, 2017



DW: Iraq launches fresh offensive to reclaim IS-held Tal Afar

Iraq's premier has warned militants of the self-styled "Islamic State" to surrender "or be killed." Iraqi forces have made significant gains over the past year, culminating in the liberation of Mosul.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Sunday announced a new offensive to liberate the strategic city of Tal Afar, located 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mosul, from the "Islamic State" militant group.

Dressed in military uniform, al-Abadi warned in a televised speech that the militant group should surrender or meet a violent end.

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MIDDLE EAST

PM: Iraqi forces begin operation to retake Tal Afar from IS. Iraq launches offensive to retake Tal Afar from ISIL. IS conflict: Iraq launches ground offensive in Tal Afar. Iraq begins battle to retake Tal Afar, IS bastion near Mosul.

Iraq's Kurds might put off independence vote in return for concessions from Baghdad: official.

Lebanese army recaptures third of IS stronghold of Ras Baalbek.

Injuries as rocket hits near Damascus business fair: state TV.

Syria's Assad says war still not won but West's plots foiled.

No relations with Syria for countries backing rebels: Assad. Syria’s Assad reject security cooperation with the West.

Iran: Top priority to protect nuclear deal from US.

Iran parliament Oks all but 1 of Rouhani Cabinet picks.

Turkish political refugees flock to Germany, seeking safety.

Arab foreign ministers welcome US Mideast mediation.

Israel's Netanyahu to discuss Middle East with Putin: statement.

ASIA

US Sec. of Defense Mattis tight-lipped on new Afghanistan war strategy.

Joint Taliban, Islamic State raid killed disarmed Afghan fighters, civilians: U.N..

North Korea slams upcoming joint US-South military exercises.

North Korea receiving constant oil supply as China refuses to go all in on isolating rogue state.

North Korea: Japan conducts evacuation drills amid nuclear missile threat.

Philippines Church head urges government to 'stop wasting lives' in drug killings. Philippine churches to ring bells to protest drug killings.

Papua New Guinea expands security crackdown to quell post-election violence.

Gurkha protesters demand new state in India.

Mass monsoon floods in South Asia a humanitarian crisis, aid group says.

Crowds rally in Hong Kong after activists jailed.

AFRICA

Kenyan opposition files case at Supreme Court challenging election results.

Two killed in Togo in protests against 50-year ruling dynasty.

Armed group in Uganda briefly abduct South Sudanese rebel, he says.

Mali Islamist police chief gets 10-year jail term for amputations.

Mali president postpones referendum on reforms.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari returns from UK. Nigeria’s ailing president returns after 3 months away.

Zimbabwe first lady Grace Mugabe leaves South Africa despite assault claim.

Angola’s ruling MPLA calls for continuity in final election rally.

Sierra Leone mudslides: More evacuations expected as death toll rises. At least 461 now confirmed dead in Sierra Leone mudslide.

EUROPE

Barcelona mourns as police step up hunt for driver of van. Barcelona attack: Royals attend special Mass for victims.

Police hunt for suspected Barcelona van driver. Police say cannot rule out that suspect in Barcelona attacks may have crossed to France.

Muslims fear anti-Islam backlash in tolerant Barcelona.

Finland stabbings treated as terror attack, suspect 'targeted women'. Finnish police say arrested four other Moroccan men over links to stabbings.

East Ukraine conflict claimed nearly 3,000 civilian lives — ICRC.

Putin angers Ukraine with visit To Russia-annexed Crimea.

Knife-wielding man wounds seven in Russia.

Malta 'denies' Defend Europe anti-migrant boat.

UK to release tranche of Brexit position papers.

AMERICAS

Trump dumps Bannon, who returns to conservative website.

Massive counterprotest upstages Boston free speech rally.

Venezuela faces outrage after new assembly takes legislative power.

Disputed Venezuela assembly takes parliament's powers. 'Resistance': Venezuela's parliament dismisses power grab.

Venezuela’s ousted chief prosecutor flees to Colombia.

Eighteen semi trucks set on fire in southern Chile.

Eclipse chasers could form largest mass migration in history.

Special eclipse glasses selling out quickly.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Barcelona attack: Catalan police name 22yo Moroccan as main suspect.

Moroccan Isis terrorists ‘pose a threat on Europe’s doorstep’.

Three men to be charged over Islamic State-influenced terror attack after the fundamentalist Muslim group ‘inspired them’ to set fire to a Melbourne mosque.

CIA torture: lawsuit settled against psychologists who designed techniques.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple under pressure to dazzle as market slows.

Hollywood’s hacking pains are bigger than movie leaks.

Kit Kat accused of copying Atari game Breakout.

US to review China intellectual property policies.

French designer in costly dispute over Pitt-Jolie chateau.

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